Building my own landing pad

[stokke]

I've come to outgrow the soccer field which I have been flying at up to now. Or, at least I do not dare as much when I feel confined within a small space. SO, I have hatched out a plan to build a small landing pad near one of the many fields which surrounds our apartment.

I walked around a bit today, looking for the optimal place. Actually going places I've never been, and we have lived here for almost two years After a while I stumbled over this perfect field, hidden in a sort of valley.

Yesterday I visited my father, who happens to be a carpenter He supplied me with some building materials and some recommendations on how I should go about this. These plates are to become my pad surface.

Trying to find a suitable place for my pad.

More wood, and some newly acquired tools.

Assembly.

Trying out for the final placement.

Making some "feet".

Excavating earth and tearing out weeds.

In place!

Got it as level as I could, but it was difficult and I settled for this. It's hard to see on the picture, but the pad tilts backwards a tad.

I went to the hard-ware store tonight and got some more stuff. I'll continue tomorrow - style it up a bit

 

[Lee]

Dude that place looks like a FPV dream site. I would love to come fly my Quad there.

 

[stokke]

Dude that place looks like a FPV dream site. I would love to come fly my Quad there.

We've been having a few sunny days lately, so the fields and forests are looking very beautiful. It sure would be nice to be "the eye in the sky" on such a day, yes

 

[stokke]

When arriving at where I left my landing pad yesterday, this is what met me!!

Some A-hole had ripped it out of the ground and chucked it in the woods!!

This being right next to a "nature-walk path" I was somewhat concerned that this might happen. But I really thought people would notice that "someone has put down some hours on this, and it's not in anyone's way or anything" - and just leave it alone. BUT, NO... Well I put down some more hours today, and surely no one can be so cruel to throw this masterpiece in the woods again

So I put it back in place (luckily it wasn't damaged).
And set out to add some 1mm rubber surface to my pad.

Got some fancy tape too

Done with the surface.

Thickness.

Fancy tape for the edges.

Surface done.

Made a template, so I could spray the classic "heli-H" on my pad.

Well, it didn't come out perfect. But hey, I think most people will get the gist?

Sweet.

Now I just hope it's still there tomorrow. LOL.

 

[Lee]

Looks great, but i'm afraid its just asking for someone to come and vandalise. Can you not remove it or hide it somewhere nearby to be set up when you are there?

 

[stokke]

You're probably right, Lee. But it's big and heavy, and I'm thinking it would be a pain to carry it in and out of hiding every time. I think I might "upgrade" it some more, make sure it's in the ground REAL good. And then get some camouflage-netting maybe? I don't know... For now, I just hope it survives the night.

 

[breeze400]

You sure your not putting it on someone's property? Maybe they don't want it there?

 

[stokke]

You sure your not putting it on someone's property? Maybe they don't want it there?

Well, I'm sort of in a grey zone regarding who's property this is. The field I'm flying over, is of course owned by a farmer. And the path just behind my ramp/pad is on public property. But I made sure it's not on the field, and not on the path. It's just between.

But, knowing the mentality of people around these parts it's most likely; "This doesn't belong here! It's disturbing the peace of nature and scenery". I'm not sure how to put it in English, but people tend to "not mind their own business" if you know what I mean.

 

[breeze400]

Ya I know exhackly what you mean!

 

[stokke]

LOL. Can you see it?

The camo is secured with staples in the front there. So when flying, the camo is tucked under the frame. I also hammered down some nails around the pad, this to secure the camo when it's folded over. It became like 300% more anonymous, that's for sure! LOL. Now I hope people will leave it alone.

 

[murankar]

get some shrubbery to put on top also. help belnd it in with the materieals in the woods, just dont over do it then it wont look natural.

 

[stokke]

get some shrubbery to put on top also. help belnd it in with the materieals in the woods, just dont over do it then it wont look natural.

I'll do that tomorrow.
Going all "sniper" on a wood platform. LOL

 

[Lee]

+1 make it look natural or someone will be interested in what it is.

 

[Tony]

If they did it once, they will do it again. Remember, the heli is only 3 lbs, so you don't need a lot of thickness to your pad. I would make a folding pad that doesn't weigh much. That way you can just carry it with you.

 

[stokke]

If they did it once, they will do it again. Remember, the heli is only 3 lbs, so you don't need a lot of thickness to your pad. I would make a folding pad that doesn't weigh much. That way you can just carry it with you.

That's exactly what my GF said too. But I'll continue to use the pad until something horrible happens to it

 

[Tony]

Yes for sure. I have some ideas, I just have to sit down and put them on paper to map them out. Once I do, I will put them here on the forum.